New Delhi, Nov 28 : Amid ongoing speculation over a power tussle in Karnataka between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, the Congress on Friday reiterated that the state unit remains united. Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge dismissed rumours of any leadership change, emphasizing that the party is strong and cohesive.
Kharge clarified that his recent meeting with Shivakumar was purely administrative. “If I have an administrative issue, I will approach my CM and Deputy CM. I sought clarification regarding an urban body matter. Speculation beyond that is unnecessary,” he said.
He added that the so-called “ambiguity” is limited to media narratives and BJP rhetoric. “What did the CM say? High command. So, where is the ambiguity? Only the media and BJP perceive it, not the public or Congress,” Kharge asserted.
The remarks follow reports suggesting Shivakumar may travel to Delhi to meet senior Congress leaders, including party president Mallikarjun Kharge and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi. Priyank Kharge stressed that any meetings with the high command would be attended if summoned.
Speculation around the Siddaramaiah-Shivakumar rift stems from a reported secret power-sharing arrangement from 2023. Under the agreement, Siddaramaiah would serve as CM for 2.5 years, after which Shivakumar would take over. Shivakumar’s recent cryptic post on X “Word power is world power. The biggest force in the world was to keep one’s word”—was widely interpreted as a message to Siddaramaiah.
The CM responded with his own post highlighting his government’s achievements and reaffirming his commitment to fulfilling all promises. “A word is not power unless it betters the world for the people… The Congress party, including me, is walking the talk with compassion, consistency, and courage,” Siddaramaiah wrote.
The coming days are expected to reveal whose influence ultimately prevails within the Karnataka Congress.